ELIZABETH—Members of Benedictine Academy’s Class of 2012 were officially inducted into the school’s Alumnae Association at a ceremony held May 30 in the Benedictine Sisters’ St. Walburga Monastery Church in Elizabeth.

Thirty-six seniors who will graduate from the all-female Catholic high school on June 3 were inducted. They were recognized as the 97th graduating class to “make the life-long commitment to develop a spirit of pride and community among graduates who have gone before…and those who will follow…in years ahead”.

The seniors were addressed by keynote speaker Martina Torretta, Class of 2007. Torretta, an Elizabeth resident, told the students that the Academy’s credo- “Listen, Learn, Love and Lead”, is something she still tries to apply to her life each day. The last five years have taught her that, “high school is just the end of one chapter in a ten thousand-page book,” she stated. “Find what you are passionate about and run with it,” Torretta advised.

The Class of 2012 was also addressed by Sister Germaine Fritz, OSB, Class of 1954, President of Benedictine Academy. Sister Germaine told the young women that it is a “privilege and a responsibility” to belong to the Alumnae Association and that they now join the ranks of over 3500 women educated at the Academy since 1915. Benedictine Academy Prioress Sister Sharon McHugh, OSB, Class of 1967, welcomed all in attendance. BA Director of Guidance Sister Donna Jo Repetti, OSF, offered a blessing. Benedictine Academy Alumnae Association Chair Mary Barbieri Young, Class of 1969, officially accepted the group of young women and led them as they recited their induction pledge. Benedictine Academy Principal Kenneth Jennings was Master of Ceremonies. Alyssa Silva, Class of 2014, invited all to a celebratory “Big Sister, Little Sister” party held at the Academy following the event.

The Benedictine Academy Class of 2012 was inducted into the school’s Alumnae Association on May 30, 2011. The Class is pictured standing outside the Benedictine Sisters’ St. Walburga Monastery Church in Elizabeth following the ceremony.

Benedictine Academy Class of 2012 seniors/“Big Sisters” enjoyed precious moments with their Class of 2014 sophomore/”Little Sisters”, during a special celebration held at the all-female college prep high school following the Alumnae Induction. Pictured are Imani Green ’14, of Irvington; Imanee Ford ’12, of Union; and Justice Stewart ’14, of Elizabeth.

Benedictine Academy Class of 2012 seniors/“Big Sisters” enjoyed precious moments with their Class of 2014 sophomore/”Little Sisters”, during a special celebration held at the all-female college prep high school following the Alumnae Induction. Pictured are Ana Alves ’14, of Hillside; Caroline Antonio ’12 of Newark; and Halley Daniels ’14, of Union.

Benedictine Academy Class of 2012 seniors/“Big Sisters” enjoyed precious moments with their Class of 2014 sophomore/”Little Sisters”, during a special celebration held at the all-female college prep high school following the Alumnae Induction. Pictured are Gabrielle Rodriguez ’14, Elizabeth; Cheila Cardoso ’12, of Hillside; and Alexis Bernardini ’14, of Elizabeth.

Benedictine Academy Alumna Martina Torretta (center), Class of 2007, was the guest speaker at the Academy’s Alumnae Association induction held for graduating seniors on May 30. Torretta is pictured with Class of 2012 members Ariana Taveras (left) and Caroline Antonio (right), both of Newark.